Honoring the Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Dear members of the Northwestern community,
This year, as we honor the enduring legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., we reflect on his profound impact both nationally and here in the Chicago area. Dr. King’s leadership during the Chicago Freedom Movement in 1966 brought the fight for civil rights to the Midwest, addressing critical issues such as housing discrimination and economic inequality — struggles that remain relevant today. His work in Chicago was a powerful testament to the importance of local activism in creating national change — a reminder that progress often begins within our own communities.
In this spirit, Northwestern’s MLK Commemoration events aim to carry forward his vision of justice and equity while celebrating the efforts and contributions of individuals and organizations from Chicago and surrounding communities. This year’s commemoration began Jan. 12 with the Candlelight Vigil hosted by the Alpha Mu Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., with an address from Northwestern alum Michael Blake ’04, New York City mayoral candidate and former New York state representative.
The Candlelight Vigil was followed by a Jan. 15 panel discussion featuring activist and artist Tonika Johnson and scholar Dr. Maria Krysan on their new book, “Don’t Go: Stories of Segregation and How to Disrupt It.” The discussion focused on the power of stories in shaping how we think about place, people and possibility.
Following the holiday weekend, the 2025 MLK Commemoration keynote will take place at 5 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 21, in Galvin Hall. It will feature Shermann “Dilla” Thomas, Chicagoan, historian, cultural worker and creator of “You Don’t Know Chi!” on YouTube. Following his remarks, Thomas will join Medill senior lecturer and director of audio journalism programming Natalie Moore for a conversation about Dr. King’s legacy in Chicago and what it means for the ongoing fight for civil rights.
For keynote details and additional programming on the Evanston and Chicago campuses, please visit the Northwestern MLK website.
We extend our appreciation to the Martin Luther King Jr. Commemoration planning committee and the Office of Institutional Diversity and Inclusion for their dedication to curating opportunities that invite the Northwestern community to honor Dr. King’s legacy.
As members of the Northwestern community, we are uniquely positioned to contribute to the ongoing work of fostering equality, understanding and social change. By engaging with one another, supporting local initiatives and continuing the dialogue that Dr. King championed, we can ensure that his vision lives on through our collective actions. Each of us has a role to play in shaping a more inclusive and compassionate world. As Dr. King once said, “Life's most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?’” May his words inspire us all to take meaningful action in the pursuit of justice, equity and a brighter future for our community and beyond.